Ivan Rakitic was an in depth observer as Barcelona secured a 2-1 win over Newcastle United of their opening Champions League match this season.
Whereas Marcus Rashford stole the limelight together with his two objectives, the opposite new signing who impressed on the night time was Joan Garcia.
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Enjoying his first Champions League match, the goalkeeper confirmed numerous maturity and made just a few key saves to disclaim Newcastle from scoring the second objective.
Rakitic heaps reward on Joan Garcia
Talking to COPE (h/t ), Rakitic admitted he was mightily impressed by Joan Garcia’s efficiency towards Newcastle United.
“Unimaginable, unbelievable. That’s why they signed him. We’d like a goalkeeper who can come by way of in tough occasions. Now we have him, and he’s crucial,” he stated.
Rakitic, who joined Barcelona in 2014 for simply €18 million, performed in over 300 matches for the Catalans, throughout which he largely shared the pitch with Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Joan Garcia has repaid Barcelona’s religion. (Photograph by Alex Caparros/Getty Pictures)
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Curiously, ter Stegen was on the centre of consideration this summer season, following Barcelona’s choice to interchange him with Joan Garcia.
Now, it seems Rakitic himself, regardless of being a long-time teammate of ter Stegen, is impressed by the previous Espanyol star’s performances at Barcelona.
Garcia’s efficiency towards Newcastle United was the newest in a from the Spaniard, who will probably be eyeing his first worldwide call-up with the Spanish nationwide workforce subsequent month.
It have to be famous that Garcia has recorded a save proportion of 84% this season, which locations him inside the prime three best-performing goalkeepers in La Liga.
The Spaniard, although, will probably be eyeing extra clear sheets, having conceded at the very least a objective in three of 5 matches for Barcelona to date.